The vision of 100% renewable urban energy systems by 2050, will be possible thanks to fully integrated energy systems powered by smart data. Lower energy consumption and greater reliability of supply are only some of the immediate benefits for the industry and wider society.
100% renewable urban energy systems are 100% integrated
Increasing energy prices, due to regulations, taxation and resource scarcity, demand foresight and require the will to change – both on a national, industrial and on a household level.
We are experts in developing IT-solutions and technologies powered by the smart use of big data which link energy systems better together. Our integrated energy systems’ research takes a holistic approach to the systems of today by focusing on combining the strength of the electricity, heat and fuel systems. Tapping into this synergistic potential, we strive to maximize the value of every unit of energy used in the power, water and transportation infrastructures. In this way we aim to reach the maximum livelihood for urban citizens by a minimum consumption of primary fuels.
The main obstacle for a 100% clean future, is that primary renewable energy sources are fluctuating and intermittent. This means that they are not continuously available to produce energy. When a storm is blowing across the land and the sky is blue, the production of energy from these sources is peaking. When the wind stills off and the sun set for the night, there is no energy produced from these sources. A transition to 100% renewable and clean urban energy systems, therefore requires a redesign of existing systems towards 100% integration. Intelligent IT solutions and technologies for conversion and storage is a perquisite to overcome this challenge.
Technologies
Fully integrated energy systems are managed by automated technologies offering the flexibility to supply the energy from where it is available, when it is available. This means ensuring the ideal mix of energy sources by supplementing each other.
Conversion
Technologies for integration offer mechanisms to convert available energy into forms that can be stored. When the renewable sources are peaking, these mechanisms are activated. Conversion for storage is necessary to provide a safe and secure supply of clean energy at all times – also when the wind isn’t blowing or the clouds are hanging thick upon the sky.
Storage
Storage forms can be short term, such as charging of batteries. Or it can be long term, such as conversion of electricity into hydrogen or gas. Fully integrated energy systems are the solution to safe and financially liable energy for the future. We are the scientific pioneers of solutions on this topic. The backbone of our technologies and methodologies are for both conversion and storage is the intelligent use of data.
Read more about how we turn Big data into Smart Data